Alabama's Christion Jones Named Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week

Alabama's Christion Jones, who was unfamiliar to most of the country prior to Saturday night, was named the Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week following his three-touchdown performance against Virginia Tech.

Junior, Wide Receiver/Kick Returner, Adamsville, AL/Minor Christion Jones accounted for 256 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns as the top-ranked Crimson Tide defeated Virginia Tech, 35-10. Jones scored on a 72-yard punt return and added a 94-yard kickoff return for a score – becoming the first Alabama player (since at least 1944) to score twice on returns. He also added a 38-yard touchdown reception.

Jones's first touchdown, the 72-yard punt return, came on Alabama's first touch of the 2013 season. It got the year off on the right foot and seemed to justify the substantial hype surrounding it.

However, the Tide weren't as dominant as expected for the rest of the game, so further contribution was necessary. Virginia Tech pulled within 11 points after a second-quarter field goal, but Jones demoralized it by taking the ensuing kickoff 94 yards for a score.

His third touchdown came in the third quarter. With Alabama still leading by 18, he beat his defender deep and hauled in a beautiful 38-yard catch.

Despite the pronounced struggles of his offensive teammates, that play put the game out of reach and allowed the Tide to coast to victory.

Alabama wasn't its usual dominant self against the Hokies, struggling to block up front and move the ball consistently. All-American candidates AJ McCarron, T.J. Yeldon and Amari Cooper all struggled to find a rhythm, which—for most teams—might have spelled defeat.

But Christion Jones lived up to the first six letters of his name, playing the role of savior and proving the Tide's remarkable depth.

Even when their best players struggle, one of their secondary guys might step up and be named Offensive Player of the Week.